Oklahoma City: Lead by a group of five exceptional seniors who have characterized the program’s recent history, Oklahoma’s formidable softball team won its fourth Women’s College World Series (WCWS) championship on Thursday night at Devon Park.
On February 5th, Sooners head coach Patty Gasso took stock of five important players: right-hand pitcher Nicole May, outfielder Riley Boone, catcher Kinzie Hansen, infielder Tiare Jennings, and outfielder Jayda Coleman.
In preparation for the Sooners’ 2024 season opener in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Gasso thought on the legacy of this great class, calling them among the most important groups in softball history.
“I think about them more than I ever have because I know that this is the end,” Gasso admitted just days before the season began. “It is the end of one of the most elite classes that has ever – and may ever – play softball.”
The “Core Five” had a fairytale ending to their college careers on Thursday in Oklahoma City. These seniors solidified their legacy by playing a key role in the 8–4 triumph. They won three Big 12 tournament crowns and four national championships during their journey from Norman’s Marita Hynes Field to their current home at Love’s Field, matching the number of NCAA tournament defeats they suffered.
Gasso declared, “They’ve cemented this program in history,” praising their lasting impact on the program. They’ve solidified their place in history. These men will live on in the annals of history, no matter how it changes.”
These athletes each made a distinct contribution to Oklahoma’s extraordinary achievement. Gasso called Jayda Coleman a “program-changer,” and she went on to become the program’s all-time leader in runs scored.
Having concluded her career second only to Jocelyn Alo in WCWS hits and home runs, Tiare Jennings is regarded as one of the best collegiate softball players ever.
The Sooners’ new stadium opened for play, and Kinzie Hansen, who hit a walk-off home run in the opening game, became an iconic leader.
Riley Boone had a career batting average of over.400 and was well-liked by the supporters who yelled “Boooooone” at every game. Reliable pitcher Nicole May recorded a 62-6 record with a 2.22 ERA.
Gasso used Coleman and Boone as “chaos coordinators” to infuse energy into the squad. “I shout out to Boone and Coleman because those two make this program go,” she stated. “When they lack energy, we also lack energy. This crew was truly inspired by it.”
By tying renowned Arizona coach Mike Candrea with her seventh NCAA softball championship, Gasso herself created history.
Legends of the Sooners, such as Baker Mayfield, the winner of the Heisman Trophy, who wore a shirt saying “GASSO = GOAT” during his youth football camp, are impressed by Oklahoma’s dominance.
With softball being the second most heated sport between Oklahoma and Texas, according to former Oklahoma football coach Barry Switzer, the team’s success has also heightened the Red River Rivalry.
“What [Gasso] has achieved has never been done before,” Switzer stated. “I’m proud of her for doing it, and I’m proud of her doing it at our school.”
Freshman Ella Parker’s two-run double in the sixth inning on Thursday demonstrated the talent of the upcoming generation, and it appears like Oklahoma softball has a bright future.
Despite having large shoes to fill, Parker and fellow freshman Kasidi Pickering—who was also named to the all-tournament team—seem more than up to the task.
Gasso considers the seniors’ influence as they go on to other endeavors, such as professional softball and personal accomplishments. “As much as I’m going to miss them, they’ve been here for a long time,” she added. “They’ve gone above and beyond what was asked of them. It’s time for them to take off.
Realizing the importance of their accomplishments, Gasso voiced her feelings during her postgame news conference. “What’s really weird for me is in four years, I’ve never had a cry up here,” she stated. “But since they were all seated here, I did it nevertheless.
It’s simpler when they’re not around. It appears as though the pain of the previous loss had left me. At this point, that is just inexplicable.”
The seniors go, but not before leaving a legacy that will live on in Oklahoma softball history for all time. Freshman Parker expressed happiness at being able to play with them, a sentiment shared by a new generation eager to carry on the winning legacy.
In addition to raising the bar for upcoming teams, Oklahoma’s core seniors have created a lasting legacy that will be remembered for many years to come.
Source – ESPN
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